During the meeting, Minister Hipkins shared his views on the importance of the new International Education Strategy, ENZ’s role and how international education fits within the Government’s plans for a modern and prosperous New Zealand.

John Goulter, ENZ General Manager, Stakeholders and Communications, said the meeting was a good opportunity for the new Board members to hear directly from the Minister what the Government’s priorities are for the sector.

“Each Board member brings a great deal of experience to the Board and fresh perspectives to ENZ’s work yet it’s equally important for them to understand the Government’s position and what Minister Hipkins sees as their role.”

There was general agreement at the meeting that launch of the new Strategy reflected international education’s importance as an export sector for New Zealand, with ample opportunity for providers to grow the value of the sector around the world, he said.

Also discussed was the interface between international education and immigration, the future of the global international education market and the importance of showing how international education contributes to New Zealanders’ wellbeing.

International education’s importance to New Zealand’s bilateral relationships and the desire to see more New Zealanders studying overseas as part of their studies was also covered.